Judges 13:25 (KJV)

What does Judges 13:25 mean?

Judges 13:25 describes how the Spirit of the LORD began to stir Samson at certain times while he was in the area of Dan, specifically between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol. This verse marks the beginning of Samson experiencing God's influence, preparing him for the special role he would play as a judge and deliverer for Israel.

The verse is set in the time before Samson's public actions as a judge. No one is speaking directly; it is a narrative comment explaining that God’s Spirit was already at work in Samson’s life, even before his famous deeds. The mention of specific places roots the story in real geography, showing where these early stirrings happened.

The Hebrew behind Judges 13:25

• Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." Here, it refers to God's empowering presence, indicating that Samson's strength and actions would not come from himself alone.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that it is specifically Israel’s God who is acting in Samson’s life.
• began (חָלַל, chalal): This word often means "to begin" or "to start." Its use here signals the start of something new in Samson’s life, not just a one-time event.
• times (פָּעַם, pa‘am): This word can mean "times" or "occasions," suggesting that the Spirit’s activity in Samson was not constant, but happened at specific moments.

Why Judges 13:25 matters

• This verse shows that Samson’s strength and leadership were not from his own abilities, but were the result of God’s Spirit working in him from an early stage.
• The mention of the Spirit moving Samson "at times" helps clarify that God’s influence was not always visible or continuous, but came at key moments.
• By naming the locations, the verse connects Samson’s story to a real place and community, grounding the narrative in history and showing that God’s work began in the ordinary settings of his life.